In a shocking twist, Malaysian authorities have escalated the investigation into the October 30, 2025, death of Taiwanese OnlyFans star Iris Hsieh, reclassifying it as a murder case. Known to her fans as the "Nurse Goddess," the 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub during a work trip. Her unique blend of health advice and modeling had garnered her over 2 million followers across social media platforms.
Hsieh had arrived in Malaysia for a collaboration with Malaysian rapper Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee. The 42-year-old artist is now facing renewed scrutiny as police issue a fresh call for his assistance. The case intertwines celebrity intrigue with serious concerns about safety in the gig economy.
Initial reports suggested a heart attack, but new forensic evidence led Kuala Lumpur police to invoke Malaysia's Section 302 homicide statute. Detectives are meticulously piecing together Hsieh's last hours through hotel logs, security footage, and staff statements noting her arrival with Namewee. The rapper, who was arrested at the scene on drug-related allegations, faces additional charges of possession and consumption of controlled substances. Arrested on October 24, he was found with traces of amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC, as well as nine MDMA pills. Namewee has posted bail and awaits a December hearing where he could face up to five years in prison and caning.
“The matter was initially classified as sudden death... [but] we are treating this as a murder investigation,” stated Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus at a briefing.
In a public Instagram statement, Namewee vehemently denied the allegations, expressing "deep sorrow" for Hsieh's death and frustration over an hour-long wait for an ambulance after calling emergency services. Meanwhile, the hashtag #JusticeForIris has rallied fans online, sharing memories of her empowering presence that mixed vulnerability with unapologetic confidence.
Hsieh's case highlights the financial vulnerabilities creators face in international collaborations. The global influencer industry, estimated at $24 billion in 2024, thrives on high-mobility deals that can sometimes hide financial traps. For Hsieh, up-front travel expenses were meant to be offset by video revenue, but her untimely death now leaves her estate burdened with expensive repatriation costs. Experts advise creators to invest in "business rider" insurance policies and to allocate a portion of their income to a "risk fund" to manage unforeseen expenses.
Marketing expert Peyton Knight noted, "The consumer dictates the market, and there's pushback against the risks involved." These insights stress the importance for creators to protect themselves against potential risks when pursuing international gigs.